Switzerland end 88-year wait for knockout victory
Switzerland booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 2-0 victory over Algeria, securing their first World Cup knockout win since 1938.
Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 10th minute after excellent work down the wing by Johan Manzambi. The Freiburg youngster beat his marker before delivering a perfectly weighted cutback for Embolo to finish from close range.
Switzerland doubled their advantage just 46 seconds into the second half when Dan Ndoye calmly slotted home from inside the penalty area, putting Murat Yakin’s side firmly in control.
The victory also marked the first time Switzerland have scored more than once in a World Cup knockout match since their memorable 7-5 quarter-final defeat to Austria in 1954.
Algeria, chasing their first-ever victory in the knockout stages of the World Cup, showed glimpses of promise before halftime. Their best opportunity fell to Fares Chaibi, whose tame effort was comfortably gathered by Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. The North Africans struggled to create meaningful chances after the interval.
Switzerland nearly added a third goal late in the match when Fabian Rieder found himself unmarked at the back post, but his mistimed effort was easily collected by Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane.
The result ends an 88-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory for Switzerland, whose previous success came against Germany in 1938 before the tournament adopted its modern group-stage format.
Murat Yakin’s men have now reached the Round of 16 for the fourth consecutive World Cup and will face the winner of Colombia and Ghana on 7 July at BC Place in Vancouver.
